Yolŋu multi-instrumentalist and master Yidaki player Larry Gurruwiwi has released a new single combining traditional songlines with contemporary dance music and Māori hip hop.
'Gapu Djarimi' features Sydney-based Māori rapper and reggae musician Rayjah45, with Mr Gurruwiwi's vocals set against electronic production and a guest verse.
The song marks a new musical direction for Gurruwiwi as he experiments with contemporary sounds, new producers and collaborations with other artists.
'Gapu Djarimi' translates to Rainbow (Healing) Water and draws on an ancient manikay about fresh water meeting the ocean and forming a rainbow.
The song explores connection to Country, spirit and the healing role of water, while a black-and-white music video directed by filmmaker Ben Strunin accompanies the release.
Gurruwiwi described the song as a source of cultural healing.
"Water is sacred to our people — it's a traditional healing song — it's going to make you feel good," he said.
Long-time producer and friend Arian Pearson developed the track with Mr Gurruwiwi after presenting him with a melody.
Gurruwiwi responded by taking the music in a different direction and singing the songline over the production.
The collaboration with Rayjah45 began during a chance meeting in East Arnhem Land when Mr Pearson played him the unfinished track.
Rayjah45 began recording immediately, with the song and video coming together within about two days.
"I said, just give me the mic, and I started rapping," Rayjah45 said.
"Larry and Vernon came in and were jumping around going, 'Wow! This is amazing' — the next day we were shooting the video.
"The whole thing took place over about 48 hours."
Rayjah45 described the song as a journey which brought together cultures from the Pacific and the Top End.
The track continues Gurruwiwi's work sharing Yolŋu culture through music while building connections with artists from other cultural backgrounds.
He performs with Malawurr, the Gälpu word for family, alongside his brothers and extended family members.
The group has toured Europe and the United Kingdom and appeared at WOMADelaide, WOMAD UK, Darwin Festival and Splendour in the Grass.
Malawurr has also collaborated with Gotye, Afro Moses, Abdi Karya and Monkey Marc.
In Yolŋu culture, Yidaki is a social, spiritual and physical tool used for healing and cleansing, as well as a musical instrument.
Its vibrations and drone are used to restore balance, ground the mind and connect people with ancestral spirits, Country and sacred manikay.
For the Gälpu clan, Yidaki is also connected to Bärra, the West Wind, which brings renewal across Arnhem Land.
Gurruwiwi has drawn on music and culture during periods of depression and now hopes his work can help others.
He hopes to continue that work on stages in Australia and overseas.
"I want to play in festivals — bring music to the world — just like my uncle and Dr G (Gurrumul) and Yothu Yindi," Gurruwiwi said.
"I want to bring music and healing."
Gurruwiwi and his brother Vernon recently opened the second night of Country to Couture in Darwin and will perform as part of the Global Rhythms multicultural music showcase at Darwin Festival on August 15.
Gapu Djarimi featuring Rayjah45 is available on YouTube now.
